Icasa launches consumer advisory panel

Communications regulator Icasa has established a Consumer Advisory Panel. The panel’s purpose is to advise Icasa on all consumer-related issues in broadcasting, telecommunications and postal services.

The panel was launched on Friday evening at a hotel in Sandton.

It will “reach out to consumers, so as to understand their concerns, recommend what consumer protection research should be undertaken and promote consumer interests”, Icasa said in a statement.

The panel comprises 11 members, nominated through a public process, who will serve the general public. They represent people with disabilities, women, youth, senior citizens and people living in areas poorly served by ICT.

Icasa councillor Botlenyana Mokhele described the creation of the panel as an “important milestone” for the regulator because it “will receive first-hand information that will assist us to better execute our consumer protection mandate and ensure that we indeed live up to our vision of ensuring that we regulate in the public interest”. — (c) 2018 NewsCentral Media